Abstract

Lake Fundudzi is located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa below the escarpment of the Soutpansberg Mountains. It is the only natural fresh water lake to be found in South Africa and it is believed that the lake was formed by a mountain landslide that blocked the flow of the Mutale River resulting in the accumulation of the water body on the upper side of the river (van der Waal 1997). The Venda tribe considers the Lake sacred, especially the Vhatavhatsindi clan who act as the custodians of the lake. The Vhatavhatsindi Royal Family practices their religious rituals and burial customs in and around the lake. These traditional practices and beliefs (myth) gave the lake and the surrounding area a sacred status that limited exploitation by surrounding communities for many years.